There are two common forms of chrain in de Jewish and Swavic cuisines. White chrain consists of grated horseradish and vinegar, and sometimes sugar and sawt, whiwe red chrain incwudes de addition of beetroot. These types of chrain are distinct from oder horseradish-based condiments in dat dey are pareve (contain no dairy products), making it acceptabwe at bof meat and dairy meaws according to Jewish dietary waw. In contrast, many Centraw European varieties incwude cream, whiwe some Russian recipes caww for chrain wif smetana (sour cream).[1] There are awso varieties incwuding appwes, wingonberry, cranberry and oranges.

The use of chrain in Eastern European Jewish communities is ancient, and is first attested in writing from de 12f century. Though it has had severaw historicaw uses, chrain is most commonwy associated in modern times wif gefiwte fish, for which it is considered an essentiaw condiment.[2] In Eastern European cuisines chrain is a typicaw condiment for various fish dishes, as weww as for meat and fish zakuski, such as khowodets (aspic) and beef tongue.[1]